This company is fairly stable for the retail business. Its size and scope as owner operator of Kay and Jared (among others) grants large sales volumes, plus the parent company (Signet Group) sells through retail outlets in Britain and provides some cushion against economic swings. Internally, people are generally quite pleasant and accommodating...no "slave drivers" here that I've seen. Overall I think most people find it a pleasant and stable work environment.

Cons

Promotion and advancement opportunities can be hard to come by in certain departments, although at this time (2008) the lack of opportunity can be attributed to the recession as the company deals with shrinking sales numbers. I also get the notion that there is a prevalent "rice bowl" mentality among many managers that sacrifices true cross-departmental cooperation in the interest of protecting control over one's own area of control and influence ("this is MY bowl of rice...").

Advice to ManagementAdvice

Take a HARD look at who is in positions of authority, particularly mid-level managers and even some VPs and executives. Are they really interested in process improvements, quality management practices, and cultivating a culture of lean and effective business practices, or have they become burned out and comfortable with doing business a certain way that is at least inefficient and at most ineffective? It may be very beneficial to the company to promote and actively reward positive changes that result in cost savings and streamlined processes.

There is a lot to learn in the jewlery business when you start but Sterling guids you through the basics of the business and lets you devlelop your own way of selling the items. They pay for all full time employees to become Certified Diamondtologists through DCA. Every year before 4th quarter they fly all managers from stores and repair shops to Florida for a managers conferance. Sterling also has a incentive trip that every full time employee has a oppertunity to go on a week long company paid vaction to a exotic destination.

Cons

Very demanding of your time to prepair for special events that seem to be schedualed every month like VIP events, Remount events, and Prefferd Customer weekends

Advice to ManagementAdvice

Be more available for employees i. e. answering cell phones, letting district know were you are and helping at problem locations for more than a days visit.

The reasons to work for this company are the experiences you are able to share with customers. Most of the time happy occassions. Witnessing people who are in love, and chosing jewelry that fits their style. Working with beautiful merchandise. Feeling proud to work in a professional enviornment. And they have great health benefits.

Cons

Working long hard hours. Never having weekends off. Never enjoing the holidays, (because you are always working )Having the job title of a assistant manager and training new employees who make just as much as you or more.Being underpaid, and not able to talk with anyone without getting in trouble about your concerns with it. Feeling brainwashed that you make "good money" Not making any commision as promised. They told me in my interview---don't worry about your hourly--commision is what its all about....yea right....

Advice to ManagementAdvice

To treat your employees fairly. Hiring an asst. manager, and compensating for thei'r hard work and time by paying them MORE than any employee who works under them. You would think this was obvious.....They are in the position for a reason.